Florida EDGE LJ McCray looks to bounce back from injury-plagued season

Third-year player faces high expectations under new position coach Gerald Chatman

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:23pm

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LJ McCray, a former five-star recruit, missed most of the 2025 season due to injuries, but is now looking to make up for lost time under the guidance of new Florida position coach Gerald Chatman. McCray has high expectations to contribute in 2026 after the departures of standout edge rushers Tyreak Sapp and George Gumbs Jr.

Why it matters

McCray was a highly touted recruit who was expected to play a key role for the Gators, but injuries derailed his 2025 campaign. With the team needing to replace production at the EDGE position, McCray's development under Chatman will be crucial to Florida's defensive success in 2026.

The details

After missing most of the 2025 season due to a knee injury and a broken foot, McCray is now focused on getting his body right and embracing the coaching of the animated Gerald Chatman. Chatman has challenged McCray to put in the work in the weight room and change his body to be in the best position to contribute this fall.

  • McCray missed the majority of the 2025 season due to injury.
  • McCray made his lone appearance of the 2025 season in Florida's Week 2 loss to USF, but was helped off the field with a foot injury.
  • McCray signed a new deal with Florida Victorious and turned his attention to the 2026 season.

The players

LJ McCray

A third-year EDGE player for the Florida Gators who was a highly touted five-star recruit but missed most of the 2025 season due to injuries.

Gerald Chatman

The new position coach for the Florida EDGE players, tasked with developing McCray and the rest of the defensive line.

Tyreak Sapp

A standout EDGE rusher for Florida who has departed the team, creating an opportunity for McCray to step up.

George Gumbs Jr.

Another Florida EDGE rusher who has left the team, opening the door for McCray to earn more playing time.

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What they’re saying

“LJ was a highly recruited player out of high school. High expectations. And I think it starts – anytime I take a new player, I start with the mentality. You really have to see where his mindset is. Is he willing to work? Is he willing to embrace the challenge, you know?”

— Gerald Chatman, Florida EDGE Coach

“He actually called a meeting with me. 'Coach can I meet with you', and I told him 'Do you really know what you're getting ready to get yourself into?', (McCray responded) 'Coach, I know'.”

— Gerald Chatman, Florida EDGE Coach

“He has to go work right now. He has to embrace the weight room, he has to change his body, and he has to go through the process right now.”

— Gerald Chatman, Florida EDGE Coach

What’s next

McCray will need to continue to put in the work in the weight room and with Chatman's coaching in order to be ready to contribute for the Gators in 2026.

The takeaway

After an injury-plagued 2025 season, LJ McCray has a chance to redeem himself and live up to his five-star potential under the guidance of new Florida EDGE coach Gerald Chatman. However, McCray will need to embrace the challenge and put in the necessary work to transform his body and game in order to seize this opportunity.